Sunday, June 17, 2012

Percolating

The summer break is finally here and I am easing my way into
relaxing.Oh who are we kidding, I
leaped into it with a marathon nap today!It was the perfect delicious freedom that makes summer special.Plus it is the ideal backdrop for the
percolating that is coming from reflecting on my past teaching year.My brain works a lot better when rested, and
I am finding this renewed energy is leading me in many different areas, most
particularly deep into books.

First: Literature for kids.Today my son and I finished reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.It was beautiful and sweet and sincere.We both laughed aloud and sighed with sorrow at the antics and voices of
the animals.I love books that leave an
impression, and this is one my son and I will be talking about all summer
long.Next on my reading list of kid
books areHound Dog True by Linda Urban andWonder by RJ Palacio, two
other books that were recommended to me by both my kids and my PLN.

Second: Professional development. Last week I had the
opportunity to attend two professional development opportunities in our school
district: a P-5 Math Summer Institute around the Common Core State Standards
and a study of The Marzano Framework from The Art and Science of Teaching by Robert Marzano.Both of
these had me reflecting on the ways in which we have transformed our classroom
through choice and goal setting, and how this transformation will make it
possible to successfully transition into the learning needs of the future. Of course they come with books to read and
thinking about Common Core for math has me also wondering along the lines of
how to move into the reading and writing standards as well.I’ve
been pondering areas for growth and development within my own practice which
leads to . . .

Third: Professional reading. I’m an avid reader and since adding the Kindle
App to my iPad I am rarely without a book to read, honestly I love it!Most recently I finished Shifting the Monkey by Todd Whitaker.It was excellent.It was full of key ideas around changing your
own thought patterns and ensuring the “monkeys” (responsibilities, obligations,
and problems) stay where they belong.Currently
I am reading the book The Passion-Driven Classroom by Angela Maiers and Amy Sandvold.Celina sent me this recommendation and I am
now forever grateful.Just reading the
preface inspired my brain to start clicking with ideas and brought me back to
the land of blogging after a personal low-point. I was inspired to get back out there by these
questions the authors asked of themselves:

·How can we stand in
front of learners like Haley and tell them to pursue their passions, to write
what they know and care about, and use their gifts to change the world… if we
are not willing to do the same?

·Are we worthy of
such a role in our student’s and our own children’s lives if we have not done
everything possible to stand up for what we believe in, defend it publicly and
move forward with causes that matter most?

·Do we as leaders and
learners have what it takes to pursue our passions all the way? Do we have the
ambition, the instinct, self-motivation, and the drive to put passion into
practice? (Maiers and Sandvold 2011)

These questions reminded me so much of why I started
blogging in the first place, to reflect and connect.How can I ask that of my students if I am not
willing to put myself out there as well?As I continue to delve into this book I know I will be coming away with
a changed mindset, and my own mindset has made all the difference as I pursue
my own passions. (Thanks Celina!)

So yes, percolating with ideas and refilling my well of
positive energy at this heady start of summer.Reading and resting, reflecting and growing, plus in there somewhere I
will surely find the time to tend my flowers, weed my yard, chase my kids and
clean the house.For now though, there
is a lawn chair and a book calling! ~Ann

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Disclaimer

The reflections recorded on this blog are not meant to express the opinion of our employer or colleagues. The ideas posted are intended to capture moments, thoughts, and perspectives in time to aid in our own personal growth, and hopefully support the professional growth of our readers.

Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.— Mae Jemison

Wellness isn’t about deprivation and it’s not about perfection. It is about pointing yourself in the direction of growth, training yourself to get comfortable with your highest potential, and then taking small steps to support that shift. It’s about showing up for yourself, day by day, and then one day finding that you’ve undergone a transformation.—Kathy Freston